I have a 4 year old perch/TB cross that I have had for about 1.5 years. He was started under saddle last september and is doing pretty well.
My problem is that he is not the horse I was hoping for. My previous mount was an appendix, with a very TB mentality. He was very forward, and Charles (my current horse) just isn't.
Most people I have consulted with suggest I continue to work with Charles. They view him as athletic and willing, even if he is doesn't have that "hot" side.
Additionally I do really like the horse. He is affectionate, comical, and very easy going. He thoroughly enjoys the trails, something my appendix was not well suited for.
I'm sure others have been in similar situations. It saddens me that I constantly compare Charles with my previous mount. Thanks for any advice.

It would be a hard decision, that's for sure. I'm lucky in that so far I've had horses that matched with my personality. But I do think it's very important that your own personal horse has the right temperament for you.

I also love forward, hot horses and a mellow yellow just wouldn't do it for me. My friend had a horse that was too mellow for her and would want to lope along instead of galloping with the other horses. Luckily for her, his conformation was not perfect so she knew if she didn't find him a more leisurely home he would end up wearing out before his time. So that made the decision to find him a different owner easier for her.

That's a reason why I wouldn't want to buy a foal because I'm afraid if I fell in love with the horse and she didn't turn out to have a lot of energy that it would be hard to part with her even if she wasn't right for me.

My personal bias is that I can only have a couple of horses at a time with my income and since I keep them their whole life, there is only a limited number of horses I can own in my lifetime. So I wouldn't want to pass up the chance to spend those years with a horse that matched my personality instead of trying to fit with one that didn't.

I don't think there is anything wrong with wanting to move on or realizing that Charles isn't what you were expecting. It sounds like you were looking for a more forward-energy type horse.

While you're looking for another horse, I would suggest to keep on working with Charles. Make him the best possible bomb-proof and well rounded horse anyone could get! Not only would you be able to sell him for more money but you'll also get the amazing chance to work with a different type of horse than what you thought you wanted. Yes, you may know what you want, but having the opportunity to work with a horse that is mentally different from what you like, it really expands your horizons! :)

The fact that you are thinking about getting rid of him does say quite a bit. If he is not what you want, then sell him to someone who can enjoy him properly. I personally thing he sounds like a great horse, and I'd kill for a horse like that. But that's just my taste. If he's not in your taste and you don't see a use for him then there is no purpose in keeping him. Rehome him and buy a horse that you'd like.

I'm not going to suggest anything as it's up to you. But I don't think he'll be hot ever. To me personally that's a good thing, but to each own. You just have to accept him the way he is and enjoy or move on.

I've sold horses because yes, I was bored, they didn't fit me, or they didn't fit my style or program.

The most recent two I sold was a 4 year old QH filly and a 15 year old TWH. The four year old was quiet, well trained, easy to catch, etc. VERY exuberant in the pasture, under saddle she was the calmest, quietest horse you could ask for. I, was so bored out of my mind I tried not riding her for several weeks JUST to get some excitement out of it!
Didn't work. Went to be a children's mount in an experienced home.

The second one was a previous rescue (starve case). BIG TWH, built almost like a draft cross. Very well trained, but with a bigger motor. Needed tuneup work, nothing major, really a fun ride. I sold him because he was older, and I did (and still do) have younger prospects to work with.

At the same time, I've recently purchased a colt with a very mellow temperament. He just accepts things well, first haltering was a breeze, handles extremely well, very people orientated. I like horses that are reasonable and mellow headed, but with a 'fun' drive.

If your looking for a higher-drive horse, I'd really suggest purchasing a foal from a higher-strung mother (the mothers temperament does have a big effect on the offspring), or an older horse all together.
My current five year old (going to the trainer on Monday to be broke!) was rather high strung as a youngster. Now, he's more mellow then my Friesian cross! Still spooky, but he just hasn't been taught any different. Just dozes off at the hitching post, very quiet to handle, no big, excitable drive.
Divo, my little pony on the other hand, is extremely easy to train, non spooky, and a pleasure to handle but can't sit still when standing tied. Just to much 'oompf', has a pretty big motor for his little stature!

I say if he doesn't fit, sell to a home where he does and find a horse that better fits you and your riding style.

I don't think there is anything wrong with wanting to move on or realizing that Charles isn't what you were expecting. It sounds like you were looking for a more forward-energy type horse.

While you're looking for another horse, I would suggest to keep on working with Charles. Make him the best possible bomb-proof and well rounded horse anyone could get! Not only would you be able to sell him for more money but you'll also get the amazing chance to work with a different type of horse than what you thought you wanted. Yes, you may know what you want, but having the opportunity to work with a horse that is mentally different from what you like, it really expands your horizons! :)

I agree with this. While you are looking for a different horse that fits your preferences a little better, keep working with Charles. You may find something in him that you simply cannot part with, or, at the very worst, end up with a nice horse that will be suitable for almost anyone to ride (hence raising his re-sale value). I also agree with whoever said it is unlikely he will ever have that 'hot' temperament. With him being a draft cross, he will probably maintain that mellow draft temperament.

There are ways to make him hot and more forward, but those only work at the expense of good training and his sanity (think barrel horses).

There is no shame in just not enjoying a particular horse. Not every rider will work well with every horse, regardless of how nice or well trained it is.

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